Page 77 of Claiming the Dhampir

She poked at the heart, and her smile lit up her face. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “You act all serious and broody, but you’re the heart of all of us.”

I snorted and raised myself up on one elbow. “No, you would be our heart.”

“No one starts a non-profit like yours and actually uses it as a non-profit, unless they have a great big heart.” She waved a hand at me, still smiling. “You know, when I first met you, I assumed that you were a rich megalomaniac who hid his money behind the non-profit organization.” Her smile faded, but her eyes held a look of awe. “But you’re not. You always put everyone else first. Your clan, your business, your team, everyone. Even me.”

I didn’t agree, but I wasn’t about to argue, either. I’d finally claimed my dhampir. We’d found a way to keep her without jeopardizing my clan or my sanity. Yes, I’d be addicted to her blood for the rest of my long life, but I didn’t care. She’d live the rest of her life with me. And my team. Together, we’d keep her safe and happy.

Chapter 27

Lorna

Isat at Nathan’s dining table sipping a cup of fresh-brewed coffee and smiling like a kid at Christmas. I felt absolutely amazing! I’d woken up about fifteen minutes ago, snuggled up next to my vampire, with a smile on my face. I was pretty sure I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

I would’ve stayed in bed, but my bladder had other ideas. Once I woke up, I was awake for good. The clock on Nathan’s wall said it was five-thirty. I had to assume it was evening, not morning. We’d gone to bed just after sunrise.

My smile widened at the memory of Nathan’s sleepy grin. He was so cute when he saw the heart on my chest. I almost teased him about it, but it was perfect! Just like I’d told him.

He was sexy, not cute, Mir said.

Yes, he was, I agreed.

I’m pretty sure he would have tortured us forever if his own desire hadn’t gotten in the way. She huffed, but I could feel her amusement. He’s a worse tease than Elliott.

I laughed. Yeah, and he wouldn’t let you be in charge, either.

Mir snarled at me, but it had no bite. Damon will let me.

I shook my head and sipped my coffee. Nathan and I hadn’t bitten each other after sharing blood in the guys’ training room. I was more than a little surprised that I wasn’t even tempted.

I was tempted! Mir said. He’s just really good at distracting me.

Yes, he is. I couldn’t express how grateful I was that we could be together without the vampire-dhampir dynamic getting in the way. Maybe over time we’d be able to be together without any preparations.

Now that I thought about it, my cravings for him had already started slowing down. When did that happen? Was it my self-control, or was it because Damon had been feeding me?

Maybe I should over-indulge with Damon before we spend time with Nathan, Mir suggested.

Her version of over-indulging made me laugh. Of course it involved more than just feeding.

A girl can hope. Mir pouted, and I laughed again.

I’ll certainly make the suggestion. I don’t want my time with Nathan to be predicated on everyone else’s availability to disperse our magic. That’s expecting a whole lot from the guys.

Yeah.

I finished my coffee just as the elevated doors slid open. Elliott, Damon, and Kenrid strolled into the room. All three of them looked right at me, then rushed my way. A second later, I was surrounded by three of my favorite people. All of them wrapped me in their arms and their magic.

The intertwining of their magic brought tears to my eyes. It felt so right, in a way I could never explain.

“You feel good,” Damon said.

“I swear you can read my mind.”

Elliott laughed. “I accuse him of it all the time. He’s right, though. You feel good.”

“Your magic feels good,” Kenrid said, the first to step away from our group hug and look at me. “I’m guessing everything is okay between you and Nathan.”

“Yep.” I wanted to say more, but it felt weird talking about one of my lovers to my other lovers. And Nathan wasn’t awake to say whether or not he wanted anything shared with the guys.

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